Day 2 Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour visits Princes Street and the Royal Mile plus a trip to the Castle and views of Holyrood House, former residence of Mary Queen of Scots. Then, free time perhaps to shop and sample delicious shortbread. During the Festival we include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. Later, why not see a traditional Scottish cabaret? (Full Breakfast)

Day 3 - Edinburgh – Excursion to the Borders
First along the coast to the seaside resort of North Berwick which is popular for its beaches and golf courses. Then via picturesque Berwick-upon-Tweed to Jedburgh with its impressive 12th century ruined Abbey. We have the chance to visit the woollen mills before continuing to Melrose where we see the Abbey which is said to contain the casket wherein lies the heart of Robert the Bruce. Finally, we stop at Selkirk for a glass blowing demonstration and then follow the valley of the river Tweed back to Edinburgh. (Full Breakfast)

Day 4 - Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Glamis Castle – Aberdeen
After breakfast this morning, we drive across the mighty Forth Bridge to St. Andrews' famous Golf Links. From here we continue via Dundee to visit Glamis Castle – childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Then we head to our hotel at Aberdeen with a late afternoon arrival. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner of Scottish cooking in a local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 5 - Aberdeen – Aviemore
Today's drive takes us through classic Scottish landscapes along the valley of the River Dee. From here, we drive past Ballater through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains to Speyside. On our arrival we enjoy a visit to one of the famous whisky distilleries to learn how Scotland's national drink is made. Next, we head to our hotel in the skiing resort of Aviemore, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 - Aviemore – Wick (2 nights) This morning we're off to Culloden Moor, scene of the 1746 defeat of the Stuarts. Then via Inverness we stop to visit the Dunrobin Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Time to stroll in the formal gardens before heading to our hotel in Wick for dinner and our overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7 Orkney Islands Excursion
We board a ferry today from John O'Groats to South Ronaldsay where we overlook Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel. We move on to Scara Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village, before passing the pre-history Ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. Late afternoon, we reboard our ferry back to the mainland and Wick. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8 Wick – Isle of Skye
We enjoy a drive through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its sandy beaches. Then further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters before our arrival in Ullapool on Loch Broom. More scenic wonders as we head to the Kyle of Lochalsh where we cross over the sea to Skye. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9 Isle of Skye – Eilean Donan Castle – Loch Ness – Oban – Ballachulish (2 nights)
We drive past Eilean Donan Castle through Glen Shiel and along the shores of Loch Cluanie. On through Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William, glimpsing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Next, to Glencoe to see the site of the famous 1692 massacre and via beautiful Oban to reach our hotel in Ballachulish. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10 - Mull & Iona Excursion This morning we will board our ferry and cruise across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From here we drive to Fionnphort for a sea hop to the island of Iona. On arrival we visit the Cathedral before returning to Oban. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Day 11 - Oban – Glasgow (2 nights) Today we travel via Tyndrum to the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond. Here there's time for a picture-stop or maybe to take a cruise on the Loch. Later, we arrive at Glasgow for two nights. On arrival an orientation tour of this – the largest Scottish city- includes George Square, Clydeside, the City Hall and a visit of St Mungo’s Cathedral. Then time at leisure for shopping. (Full Breakfast)

Day 12 - Robert Burns Excursion
Today we head into 'Robbie Burns' country to visit Culzean Castle and enjoy its beautiful grounds. Next on to Alloway, to view the Burns' monument and cottage before returning to Glasgow. Tonight, why not join us for a traditional Burns supper? (Full Breakfast)

Day 13 - Depart Glasgow
Time to bid a fond farewell to Scotland and its Isles as we are transferred to the airport for the return flight home. (Full Breakfast)


Scottish Highlands Islands & Cities Optional Excursions:

Nevis Cable Car
A spectacular ride to the heart of the Nevis Mountain Range. Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand almost on the 'roof of Britain' and enjoy views of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery. 11 (£)

Glasgow Evening
Enjoy an evening of local specialities in a characteristic restaurant in the heart of this vibrant city. 24 (£)

Edinburgh Night Out
Join us for a relaxed evening with a leisurely drive followed by dinner in a traditional Scottish pub. 24 (£)

Edinburgh Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate anevening in Edinburgh. 39.50 (£)

Loch Lomond Boat Trip
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch the skipper will tell you stories and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery. It really is a photographer's paradise! NB. The boats are covered launches and will operate subject to suitable weather conditions. 10 (£)

Burns Night in Braveheart Country
Join with the Scots to celebrate and commemorate their hero and national poet Robert Burns. With the bagpipes, the ceremony of the haggis and a delicious traditional meal, this is altogether an unforgettable evening. 31 (£)

Guided Visit of Blair Castle
This fine castle is set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. We will enjoy a guided visit around the castle, the home of the Duke of Atholl who is the only man in Britain to have a private army. 11 (£)

Stirling Castle and Burns Night.
First we visit imposing Stirling Castle overlooking the town where William Wallace defeated the English at the "Battle of Stirling Bridge". See the magnificent Great Hall, the Royal Apartments and Castle Kitchens whilst learning about the varied and interesting history of the castle. From here enjoy a traditional Burns evening with delicious Scottish specialities accompanied by bagpipes and poetry. 38 (£)

Highlands Sheepdog Demonstration
Visit a working sheep farm where the farmer gives a demonstration of the work and training of border Collies. 9.5 (£)

The Trotternish Peninsula
This evening, we take a drive around the Trotternish Peninsula, the most northern point on the Isle of Skye to see the old man of Storr. We continue to the Kilt Rock Waterfall and a chance to hear the story of Flora Macdonald. 10 (£)

EDINBURGH. Rosslyn Chapel Tour & Trail
With a local guide, we drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we have a tour of the famous Rosslyn Chapel. Visit one of Scotland's most unusual 15th Century buildings, famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'. Intricate carvings of New World plants, and secret chambers make this a must on any visit to Scotland. Afterwards there is the opportunity to visit the chapel shop and maybe take a stroll in the beautiful Rosslyn Glen before returning to Edinburgh. 18 (£)

Tour Cancellation: The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, provided that such cancellation is advised not less than 35 days prior to scheduled tour departure. If material alterations become necessary to tours or travel arrangements for which bookings have already been made, the tour operator will inform passengers without delay and will give passengers the choice either of accepting the alteration, which will be of comparable standard, if available, or of receiving a prompt and full refund of all money paid